Lady Pioneers fall to 0-1-1 in district soccer
With hopes of picking up their first win of the season, the Lady Pioneer soccer team played at home Thursday against Blackman.
Warren County entered the District 7-AAA match with a 0-1-2 record, but the Lady Blaze spoiled Warren County’s efforts as Blackman shut out the Lady Pioneers 5-0 for their second district win of the year.
The Lady Pioneer offense was never a factor in the first half, as Blackman controlled the ball and pace of the game for the entire 40 minutes.
Carey Black put her team out in front 1-0 when she took the ball from the left-side of the goal and found an open net at the 25:40 mark.
The Lady Pioneer defense had trouble keeping up with Blackman’s quickness and ball-handling skills. Blackman kept the ball in front of Warren County’s goal, and the Lady Pioneers had trouble clearing the ball back downfield.
Blackman’s second goal came with 11 minutes remaining in the first period as Paige Demonbren put the Lady Blaze up 2-0.
Warren County’s only opportunity to score in the first period came from a corner kick at the 5:33 mark, but the shot was off its mark.
Blackman went up 3-0 on a Breanna Zeis goal with 3:48 on the clock. Zeis then gave the Lady Blaze a 4-0 lead just before the half ended when she hit the right corner of the net.
“There’s nothing to be happy about,” said coach Keith Hamilton as he spoke to his team at the break. “All four goals were off of our mistakes on defense. We’re stabbing at the ball and just not playing very smart.”
In the second half Warren County’s defense saw much improvement, allowing just one goal. But the Lady Pioneers’ offense still remained silent.
Alex Mullican had a chance to put the Lady Pioneers on the scoreboard 13 minutes in, but her shot was scooped up by Blackman’s keeper. Warren County made one more surge on offense midway through the second half, but a solid defensive front by Blackman kept the Lady Pioneers off the board.
Naomi Pugh scored the final goal of the game with 3:19 left in the game after slipping a shot past Warren County’s goalie Erin Wofford to secure the victory.
“We played better defense in the second half,” Hamilton stated. “The girls did a much better job of getting back into position and keeping their shapes.
” We’re playing a lot of sophomores and freshmen, and this is the only way this team is going to get better. They have to get out there and work at it. We see improvement in each game with these young girls, and that’s all I’m asking for right now.”